Agreement involving prairie chickens signed

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – The State Land Office says an agreement signed last week will allow leaseholders to continue their business despite the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species.

Land Commissioner Ray Powell says the agreement protects the grouse while ensuring responsible use of natural resources in southeastern New Mexico.

Under the deal, non-federal landowners and industries can apply conservation measures to the property that will benefit the prairie chicken and still allow for oil and gas production.